William “Spence” Elbert

William “Spence” Elbert, a 72-year-old resident of Gallatin, passed away Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016 at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at the funeral home. Open visitation begins at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery near Gallatin.
Mr. Elbert was born Aug. 8, 1944 in El Dorado, KS, the son of Edward and Margaret Pauline Everman Elbert. The Elbert family moved back to Gallatin in 1947 and made their home at the Elbert Hotel. He was a 1962 graduate of Gallatin High School and attended Trenton Junior College for one year.
He was united in marriage to Judith Brosch on Feb. 9, 1964 in Trenton and the couple made their home in Gallatin. He began his career working for Hales Market and at the Elbert Lumber Supply. In 1966 he and Judith moved to Maysville to manage Elbert’s Department Store. The family moved back to Gallatin and continued to manage the store and did so until the death of his father, Edward in 1975. At that time Mr. Elbert became the owner-operator of the business until the last few months due to his failing health. He was an entre-preneur his entire life as well as being community minded. Customer service was his niche and serving the public was his gift.
Mr. Elbert was a member of the Gallatin Rotary Club, serving as past president, the Gallatin Jaycees and the First Baptist Church in Gallatin. He had many hobbies but his true passion was caring for all animals. He enjoyed trail rides, boating at the lake, water and snow skiing and had a great appreciation for well-detailed vehicles.
Mr. Elbert is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Judith, of the home; three sons, Slade Elbert of Baker City, OR, Travis Elbert and wife Rhonda of Trenton and Jordon Elbert of San Diego, CA; two brothers, Gary Elbert and his wife, Patty and Troy Elbert, both of Gallatin; and three grandchildren, Truman, Noah and Ian Elbert.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Green Hills Animal Shelter.